Leasing Associate - $500 Sign-on Bonus!

Seattle WA

Description

Job Type: Full-time Description: For over 40 years Bellwether Housing has been Seattle's largest, and most respected, non-profit organization, providing affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Bellwether Housing offers an uplifting work environment with a diverse group of talented professionals who are committed to our mission and values of creativity, collaboration, ambition, warm-heartedness, and professionalism. The Cedar Crossing Apartments are in the Roosevelt neighborhood of Seattle. They are conveniently located right next to the light rail station and Roosevelt High School. This 254-unit tax credit property includes studios, one, two, and three-bedrooms serving households at the 30%, 50% and 60% median income levels. There are 20 apartments set aside for families seeking care through Children’s Hospital and 27 apartments set aside for households including a veteran. The building will be opening in June of 2022, and pre-leasing begins in February. Position Summary: -Oversee all aspects of marketing & leasing units in accordance with Bellwether policies. Assist Site Manager and Assistant Site Manager in promoting a “sense of community” among residents with activities and services, working to solve problems and facilitate a responsible and positive community. -Act as the leasing agent for all vacancies by responding to telephone and in-person requests for information on vacancies and resident qualification requirements. -Prescreen potential applicants for eligibility. -Assist applicants in completing rental applications. -Submit completed rental applications to Compliance for processing. Work collaboratively with the entire Cedar Crossing team to meet the lease-up goals. -Prepare resident leases and resident move-in materials. Utilize property management software to track applicants. Position Responsibilities: -Ensure excellent customer services to residents and prospective residents. -Provide professional, responsive, unbiased, caring and knowledgeable interactions with applicants and current residents. -Always seek to resolve complaints or client concerns, treating all parties in a respectful and helpful manner, regardless of their behavior. -Possess knowledge of Bellwether policies, landlord tenant law, fair housing laws, and property management software procedures. -Be approachable, pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable in all interactions with applicants and current residents. -Maintain confidentiality of applicant and tenant information. -Assist residents with SHA paperwork, reviewing for accuracy before submitting to SHA on their behalf. -Maintain accurate file set up, filing, and archiving of tenant files, including maintaining accurate tenant contact list. -Create a sense of community among residents, coordinating and engaging in regular events. Manage leasing & Marketing: -Post ads for vacancies, track all traffic at the property in Yardi, and update application status reports as directed. -Work with the Site Manager, Assistant Site Manager and Portfolio Manager to develop marketing strategies and implementation. -Answer inquiry calls, conduct thorough pre-screening for eligibility, and determine units for which applicants qualify. -Collaborating with the Resident Services staff, maintain relationship with partnership agencies regarding set aside units, initiating contact on vacancies, assisting with client application process, and communicating residency issues with current clients. -Collaborate with the Facilities Management to coordinate work orders, preventative maintenance, and unit turnover work. Leasing: -Process applications and move ins in accordance with departmental operations manual. -Respond to prospects interested in housing promptly, and no later than 24 hours from initial inquiry. -Prescreen prospects for housing eligibility. When appropriate, refer prospects to other properties in the Bellwether portfolio for which they may qualify. -Schedule application intake appointments for prospects. Manage Outlook calendar for leasing appointments. -Assist applicants to accurately complete rental applications and supporting documentation. Explain WSHFC income qualification guidelines and other funding guidelines or restrictions. -Process housing application: submit screening application, obtain third party verification of income, assets, and other eligibility requirements. -Enter application information into property management software. Update software with progress notes daily on the status of applications in process. -Develop a collaborative system with Site Managers for applications in process, with detailed communication logs to ensure that application files are current. -Coordinate with applicant regarding move-in date, time and move in costs. Prepare and complete move in lease documents, collect move in payments, and establish resident account in property management software. Set up SCL accounts, ensure welcome bags are in the unit and compile lease packet for Compliance. -Maintain accurate file set up, filing, and archiving of tenant files, including maintaining accurate tenant contact list. Office Management: -Occasionally assist with receptionist and general office duties at assigned properties. Assist residents with issues such as accepting and entering work orders and reaching out to appropriate staff for assistance, during Assistant Site Manager & Site Manager absences. -Engage and collaborate with Portfolio Manager, Property Management department, Commercial Portfolio Manager, Mercy Housing Resident Services and other Bellwether departments. -Work collaboratively with supervisor, providing information and updates on challenges and seeking input and direction. -Attend staff, ad hoc and all staff meetings as instructed. -Work collaboratively with social service agencies and Mercy Housing’s onsite Resident Services coordinators to meet resident needs and resolve problems. -Represent Bellwether as an ambassador to the communities and neighborhoods in which Bellwether is involved. -Work collaboratively in diversity and inclusive work environment. -Undertake other duties as assigned. Requirements Minimum Requirements: -High school diploma or GED (equivalent education and experience may be substituted for the stated requirements). -One-year prior work experience in apartment leasing or high-volume customer service role -Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. -Highly organized and strong attention to detail, capable of taking personal initiative in a project as needed, making sure all work is completed and of high quality. -Always exercise discretion and confidentiality with applicants and residents. -Exceptional customer service aptitude, including problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly and tactfully to customer requests. -Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Positive attitude a must. -Experiencing working with Microsoft Office user applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Desired Qualifications: -Prior apartment management or leasing experience in the property management industry. -Experience leasing in low-income housing tax credit properties. -Experience in Fair Housing and local Landlord Tenant Law. -Completion of WSHFC Fundamentals and Advanced training workshops -Experience with Seattle Housing Authority Section 8 Project and Tenant Based programs. -Experience working with Yardi or equivalent property management software. -Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with community constituencies and social service agencies. -Experience working with social service programs for diverse populations and making referrals as appropriate. Additional Requirements for Final Candidates: -Pass a local, state and national criminal history background check prior to employment with Bellwether Housing. -Have reliable transportation and be able to meet all traveling requirements of the position. -Beginning October 25, 2021-based on the federal regulation from OSHA, all candidates that move to a final interview in the process, must certify they have received their Covid-19 vaccinations, by sending a copy of vaccine certification to [email protected]. If not vaccinated, candidates that move forward in the process must submit a recent (no more than 72-hours prior) negative Covid-19 test result to [email protected]. If the candidate is offered the position and remains unvaccinated, they will be required to submit negative test results every Monday to [email protected]. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday OR Sunday through Thursday depending on need, 40 hours per week, flexible work schedule. Lease up (February through December) will require flexible work schedules to accommodate leasing needs, including some weekend and evening hours. Compensation: *This position offers a $500 sign-on bonus! -$24.05 - $26.38 per hour DOE, benefits -24 days of paid time off in the first year of employment (for all employees working over 20 hours per week) -In honor of Diversity and Inclusion, BW employees receive 10.5 holidays per year to elect of their own choosing. Note: the number of days is prorated the first year of employment based on time of start and average hours worked for non-exempt (hourly) employees. -403(b) retirement plan with immediate eligibility for employee contributions and employer matching after 15 months of service -Health, dental, and vision insurance plans, with FSA / employer-funded HSA -Long-term disability insurance and employer paid life insurance -Commuter benefits -Professional Development and Job Training Resources -Flexible / Remote work schedules for some positions To view our full benefits package, visit www.mybellwetherhousing.com Bellwether Housing is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, including the diversity of thought and experience. We are committed to building an open and inclusive culture for all employees. We consider all applicants without regard to education, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, skills, and level of experience. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.